Priyanka wants to create a safer environment for girls in India

India has come under fire again - this time it's in the news after it emerged that a five-year-old girl was allegedly raped, tortured and kept in captivity for 40 hours. Speaking about the incident, actress Priyanka Chopra, who's also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, said she hopes to create a safer environment for girls in the country.

"I hope I help create an environment where girls could be safe. With UNICEF, we are trying to create actual physical environment for girls where they could be safe, especially in villages," she said at a cinema memorabilia auction event.

The actress said that as part of the campaign "we are also trying to educate parents about safeguarding their own girls as well as trying to educate boys to understand women better."

"My parents instilled in me the values and a belief that I could stand on my own feet and become whatever I could dream to be. I think that is the biggest gift that we can give to these girls so that they can stand on their own feet and be themselves," she said.

At the event, Chopra also auctioned her own Christian Louboutin shoes, which she wore in her latest single, ‘Exotic’, which also featured Pitbull. The shoes were also autographed by Priyanka and Louboutin.

"Thank u everyone who contributed at the auction for @Unicefindia s Dare to Care campaign!My Loubs that I've worn in the #Exotic video went for 2 and 1/2Lacs! Thank u @LouboutinWorld for ur contribution too!" Tweeted Chopra after the event.